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Map of Athens to Santorini including Greece

From ancient Athens, embark on a colourful Greek Islands tour

Embark on a tour through the Aegean Sea, taking local ferries around the Cyclades Islands. Indulge in a little island hopping and take the time to uncover remote ruins, gorgeous beaches and outstanding scenery. Travel from the ancient capital of Athens all the way to the spectacular natural wonders on the island of Santorini on this wonderful Greek adventure.

Start
Athens, Greece
Finish
Santorini, Greece
Destination
Greece
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMSE
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Let the rest of the world melt away as you swim and snorkel in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea

  • Wander through the charming villages of Syros. When night falls, indulge in delicious seafood dinners in traditional tavernas as Rembetika music floats around you

  • With its boutique culture, gorgeous beaches and thumping nightlife, the chic isle of Mykonos invites you to embrace your hedonistic side

  • The sight of a Santorini sunset can turn even the most hardened of souls into a romantic. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island from Thira to Oia, passing through white villages that cling to plunging cliffs

Is this trip right for you?

  • The main means of transportation on this trip is by public ferry. These ferries are large car ferries that transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. There are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry freely. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.

  • Summer temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. On the other hand, early in the season (April) many businesses may still be closed and the weather is unpredictable, however you may have some of the major sights of the Greek islands almost to yourself. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • Please be aware that some of the Greek Islands are very hilly and mountainous, which means lots & lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Greece's topography very demanding.

  • If you have more time to explore the region you may want to check out our trip ‘Best of Greece’ (trip code ZMSAC). This trip explores the mainland of Greece in addition to the Cycladic Islands. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.

greece mykonos beach boat
greece mykonos dinner seafood squid fresh
greece athens acropolis parthenon
greece santorini lights village night
greece santorini local friends restaurant owner
greece santorini donkey

Itinerary
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Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. As there's not much time to explore Athens on this trip before you head out to the islands, arriving a few days early is recommended. Highlights include the renowned changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the original Olympic Stadium and of course the Acropolis, where you can enter the Pantheon and enjoy fabulous views over the city. Maybe join an Urban Adventure day trip, such as 'Taste of Athens' or 'Markets, Ruins and Ancient Athens'. You could also take a day trip to the Peloponnese peninsula via ancient Epidavros and the Corinthian canal. After the welcome meeting, perhaps head out for some gyros and ouzo with your new travel companions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Athens - Acropolis Pass for 5 Sites - EUR30
  • Athens - National Archaeological Museum - EUR12
  • Athens - Day Trip to the Saronic Islands - EUR140
  • Athens - Day Trip to Delphi - EUR60
  • Athens - Dora Stratou - EUR20
  • Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
  • Athens - Numismatic Museum - EUR15
  • Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure - EUR99
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today – confirm the time and place with reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.
When travelling around Athens please be aware that we have had reports of travellers being pickpocketed on public transport, especially the metro. Please be careful with your valuables while travelling on the metro or the bus.

Today travel by metro to the port of Piraeus, then catch a relaxing scenic ferry to Syros (approximately 4 hours). In the heart of the Cyclades, Syros offers a rare opportunity to see the islands as the Greeks do. One of the Aegean's most underrated islands, the island features typical whitewashed houses, farms, terraced fields and gorgeous sandy beaches. Your leader will take you on a wander through the main town of Ermoupolis, home to well preserved neoclassical mansions and 19th-century tenement blocks. Syros is also home to delicious sweets. Stop at a family run traditional loukoumi workshop where you will be shown the procedure of how these multi-coloured fruit-flavoured jellies (also called Greek Delight) and chalvadopita (hazelnut, almond or honey-filled wafers) are made - make sure you try some of them. You'll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow, so perhaps kick up your feet at a waterfront cafe and watch the setting sun turn the houses pink.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a walk through the fortress-like town of Ano Syros, which offers great views of the Aegean Sea. Wander the narrow alleyways, pass handmade-souvenir shops and keep an ear open for traditional Rembetiko music floating out of the family-run tavernas. Enjoy free time to further explore Syros at your own pace. Discover abandoned windmills, ancient ruins and charming villages on a network of stone-paved tracks that crisscross the island. Perhaps head to the various archaeological sites on the island, or you might prefer to simply hole up on a beach for the afternoon. Outside of Ermoupolis are many small tranquil coves, while the most popular beaches are on the southern side of the island. While some are sandy and others pebbly, all boast crystal clear waters for swimming in. In the evening, take taxis to a taverna to a remotely located village in the rugged northern part of the island to sample delicious local specialities during an included meal, all while watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Syros - Ano Syros Walk
  • Syros - Sunset Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Syros - Archaeological Sites & Ruins - EUR5
Meals Included
  • Dinner

Today board a two-hour ferry to Mykonos, a beautiful island named in honour of Apollo's grandson. Known in ancient Greek mythology as the battlefield where Zeus fought the Gigantes, today the island is best known for its decadence, style, and nightlife. Join your leader for a walk through the maze-like old town and be captivated by the quintessential Greek Isles vista of squat white houses brightly juxtaposed against the cerulean sea. Browse the chic galleries and boutiques, follow flower-lined paths past age-old churches and tiny restaurants to secluded, sandy beaches, and spend the afternoon soaking up the rays and splashing in the water. Settle into your lovely room with a sea view at the hotel. As the sun sets, maybe join Europe's party crowd at one of the many bars and clubs on Mykonos, or take a more traditional approach with a meal at a delightful backstreet restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning you will take a half-day trip out to the nearby island of Delos. One of the most important archaeological and mythological sites in the Greek Islands, a sacred area that was once the political and religious centre of the Aegean, Delos is considered to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A living museum, the wealthy built mansions in the town that developed around Apollo’s sanctuary, decorating them with luxurious frescoes, mosaics and statues. The island is overflowing with archaeological finds like the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Precinct, with many more still being uncovered. Later on today you might like to head to one of Mykonos' many beaches, which are some of the nicest in Europe. Take a short bus ride to the pumping Paradise or Super Paradise beach bars, or perhaps find a quieter spot to relax along the beautiful coastline. You could also check out the 19th-century House of Lena or the Aegean Maritime Museum in town. This evening you could make your way to the village of Ano Mera and seek out a tavern for a seafood dinner or perhaps wander down to Little Venice, where colourful balconies hang precariously over the sea.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
  • Delos - Archaeological Site
Optional Activities
  • Mykonos - Aegean Maritime Museum - EUR4
  • Mykonos - House of Lena - EUR2
  • Mykonos - Trip to Village of Ano Mera (by public bus) - EUR4
  • Mykonos - Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR4
  • Mykonos - Super Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take another ferry and arrive on the spectacular southern island of Santorini (approximately 3 hours). Renowned for its amazing natural beauty, Santorini is one of Europe's tourist hotspots, the home of the iconic image of the Greek islands – whitewashed, blue-domed buildings clinging to the cliff face with sparkling water in the background. Discover the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thira and its fascinating Prehistoric Museum, as well as the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that gives an insight into how the people here lived before the eruption. Check out the range of restaurants and shops in the island's capital, interchangeably called Thira or Fira. If you have time while you're here, perhaps head to one of Santorini's volcanic beaches, such as Red Beach or the black beaches of Perissa, Vlhada, Perivolos or Agios Georgios. Be sure to try some of the island’s delicious food – the nutrient-filled volcanic soil makes the ingredients grown here full of flavour.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Santorini - Museum of Prehistoric Thira - EUR6
  • Santorini - Volcano & Hot Springs Half Day Trip (by boat) - EUR25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that our accommodation is located in the village of Karterados. It is a walk of approximately 20 minutes into Santorini's main town of Thira, or alternatively there are frequent bus departures from the bus stop right beside the hotel.

In 1500 BC a volcanic eruption sank the centre of Santorini, forming one of the most significant geological formations on the planet – the awe-inspiring caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Today make an excursion along the crater rim, starting in Thira town and walking through little villages all the way to Oia, passing steep cliff faces and experiencing breathtaking views along the way. If you have time, you might also like to take a half-day trip to the island's volcano and hot springs in the centre of the lagoon. Or perhaps visit one of the island’s wineries – the vines here are cultivated in a very unusual way, with the plants being pruned to form a low basket shape that sits on top of the volcanic soil to protect the grapes from strong winds. On the last evening of your adventure, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes, sipping a cocktail as you witness a magnificent Santorini sunset.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the hike along the caldera usually takes approximately 3-5 hours / 12 km, and the surface varies between gravel and loose volcanic scree. There are multiple uphill and downhill sections, and there are no shade and no toilet facilities along the way. Please speak to your leader for more details if you have any concerns. As an alternative to the hike you can take the bus to Oia instead, and meet up with the rest of the group there.

Today your Greek Islands adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. You might want to extend your stay to see all Santorini has to offer. We are happy to book additional accommodation, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Ferry, Public bus, Taxi, Metro

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit
  • Syros - Ano Syros Walk
  • Syros - Sunset Dinner
  • Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
  • Delos - Archaeological Site
  • Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Athens to Santorini trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking.
2. This trip doesn't spend much time in Athens and as Santorini is a beautiful island which warrants some extra time, an extension of your stay is highly recommended. Please consult your agent about booking additional accommodation in Athens or Santorini.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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